PH4CTK

Corn

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: 'PH2F59'

Summary: The leaf blade of ‘PH4CTK' is wider than that of ‘PH2F59'. The spikelets on the tassel of ‘PH4CTK' are moderately dense whereas those of ‘PH2F59' are of a medium density. The angle between the main axis and the lateral branch on the tassel of ‘PH4CTK' is small whereas that of ‘PH2F59' is very small. The lateral branches on the tassel of ‘PH4CTK' are slightly recurved whereas those on the tassel of ‘PH2F59' are straight. Including the kernels, the ear of ‘PH4CTK' has a smaller diameter than that of ‘PH2F59'. ‘PH4CTK' has a high percentage of plants with tillering whereas 'PH2F59' has a low percentage of plants with tillering.

Description:

PLANT: inbred yellow variety, large ratio of height of insertion of peduncle of upper ear to plant height, anthesis and silk emergence occurs very late in season

STEM: absent or very slight degree of zig-zag, strong intensity of anthocyanin colouration on brace roots

LEAF BLADE (JUST ABOVE UPPER EAR): intermediate degree of undulation of margin, small angle with stem, straight

TASSEL: medium number of primary lateral branches, moderately dense spikelets on middle third of main branch, short main axis above lowest lateral branch and highest lateral branch
LATERAL BRANCHES: slightly recurved, small angle with main axis, short
GLUME: absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration at base, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration at apex and middle
ANTHER (ON MIDDLE THIRD OF MAIN BRANCH OF TASSEL): absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration

EAR: weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration of silks, conico-cylindrical shape, very many rows of grain, absent or very weak intensity of anthocyanin colouration on glumes of cob
KERNEL: intermediate type, yellowish white on top, orange on dorsal side

TILLERING: present on a high percentage of plants

Origin & Breeding History: ‘PH4CTK' was developed by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. using a double haploid plant breeding method. The variety resulted from a cross between two inbred lines, designated ‘PH2F59' and ‘PH1V5T', conducted in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2011. The F1 generation underwent a haploidization process with subsequent chromosome doubling and selfing. Resulting DH1 lines were self pollinated and harvested in bulk. From 2011 to 2014, the DH2 to DH4 lines were self pollinated with subsequent ear selections, respectively. ‘PH4CTK' was selected in 2015 based on tassel size, pollen production, germination ability, stalk lodging resistance, late season plant health, yield in hybrid combination, grain quality, as well as disease and insect resistance. Breeder seed was established at the DH5 in 2015.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trial for 'PH4CTK' was conducted in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec during the 2022 growing season. The trial was planted in a RCB design with 3 replicates. Each replicate consisted of one 3 metre long row with 76 cm between the rows. With approximately 20 plants per row, there was a total 60 plants per variety. Measured characteristics were based on a minimum of 30 measurements per variety. Mean differences were significant at the 5% confidence probability level based on a paired Student's T-tests. Results were supported by the official technical examination report number 202100316, purchased from the Plant Variety Protection Office in Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Comparison tables for 'PH4CTK' with reference variety 'PH2F59'

Leaf blade width (cm)

Ear diameter (including kernels) (cm)

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Corn: 'PH4CTK'

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Corn: Reference variety 'PH2F59'

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Corn: 'PH4CTK' (top) with reference variety 'PH2F59' (bottom)